World AIDS Day 2025, Theme, NACP, Steps Taken by Government

World AIDS Day is observed every year on 1 December, and the 2025 theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” India’s National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has strengthened HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support through its multi-phase approach. Under NACP V, the government is expanding awareness campaigns, ART services, targeted interventions, and anti-discrimination measures. Together, these efforts aim to accelerate progress toward ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

What is AIDS/HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens the body’s immune system by attacking CD4 cells. If not treated, it progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of HIV, where the body becomes highly vulnerable to infections. 

With timely testing and ART treatment, HIV can be controlled, and AIDS can be prevented.

How HIV Spreads?

• Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
• Sharing contaminated needles or syringes.
• From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
• Transfusion of infected blood (now extremely rare due to screening).

World AIDS Day 2025 Theme

The theme for World AIDS Day 2025 is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” It focuses on transforming the HIV services to make them more resilient, equitable, and community-driven. The theme also highlights the need to address disruptions caused by pandemics, conflicts, and inequalities that limit access to care.

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National AIDS Control Programme

India’s National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has evolved over five distinct phases, transitioning from basic awareness initiatives to a robust, integrated framework focused on prevention, testing, treatment, and long-term sustainability.

NACP I (1992-1999)

• Marked India’s first nationwide HIV/AIDS prevention and control initiative.
• Aim: To slow the spread of HIV and reduce associated morbidity, mortality, and overall social and economic impact.

NACP II (1999-2006)

• Strengthened and expanded the initial response with two key objectives:
• Reduce the transmission of HIV across the country.
• Build long-term national capacity to tackle the HIV/AIDS challenge effectively.

NACP III (2007-2012)

Goal: To halt and reverse the HIV epidemic by 2012.

Strategy:

• Scale up targeted prevention among High-Risk Groups (HRGs) and the general population.
• Integrate prevention with care, support, and treatment services.

Key addition: Establishment of District AIDS Prevention and Control Units (DAPCUs) to strengthen district-level monitoring, coordination, and reporting of stigma and discrimination cases.

NACP IV (2012-2017)

Goal: Accelerate epidemic reversal and deliver an integrated HIV response.

Objectives:

• Achieve a 50% reduction in new infections (compared to 2007 levels).
• Ensure universal access to comprehensive care, support, and treatment for all PLHIV.

Extension (2017–2021): Continued progress toward achieving the target of Ending AIDS by 2030.

Major initiatives during the extension:

• HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017: Prohibited discrimination against PLHIV, ensured confidentiality, and mandated informed consent for testing and treatment.
• Mission Sampark: Reconnected PLHIV who had discontinued ART by tracing and re-engaging those lost to follow-up.
• ‘Test and Treat’ policy: Initiated ART for all diagnosed individuals irrespective of CD4 count.
• Routine Universal Viral Load Monitoring to improve treatment outcomes.

NACP V (2021-2026)

• Implemented as a Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of ₹15,471.94 crore.
• Focuses on consolidating previous gains and addressing emerging challenges.
• Aims to support SDG 3.3 by working toward ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through strengthened prevention, testing, treatment, and community-led interventions.

Steps Taken by the Government for HIV/AIDS Awareness

• NACO runs nationwide multimedia and digital awareness campaigns to reach wider and younger audiences.
• Outdoor outreach expanded through hoardings, bus panels, IEC vans, kiosks, and folk performances.
• Community awareness strengthened by training SHGs, Anganwadi Workers, ASHAs, and Panchayati Raj members.
• 1,587 Targeted Intervention projects (as of Oct 2025) ensure prevention, testing, treatment, and care access for High-Risk Groups.
• Thematic campaigns launched nationwide to combat stigma and promote inclusion of PLHIV in workplaces, institutions, and communities.
• Ombudsmen appointed in 34 States/UTs under the HIV and AIDS Act, 2017, to address discrimination complaints and protect PLHIV rights.